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How to Plan a Trip to Scotland: Everything you Need to Know to Visit Scotland

On the map, Scotland looks like a tiny country, and indeed it measures less than 80,000km2 and is just short of 5.5 million people. Yet when you plan a trip to Scotland, it can be an overwhelming challenge to figure out where to begin! Too many cities, islands, mountains, valleys, castles and lochs to chose from; all of them are worth a stop, but it’s impossible to see them all, no matter how much time you have. How on Earth are you going to plan the perfect trip to Scotland?

Before you get too deeply involved in my suggested itineraries, favourite off the beaten track destinations or must have experiences in Scotland, let me run you through the basics of how to plan a trip to Scotland in the first place.

This guide will give you advice on the best time to visit Scotland, how much time you should plan to spend here, some suggested itineraries for your trip, advice on how to get around Scotland, some recommended bus tours, how to choose your perfect activities, a few hiking tips and finally, a selection of where to stay in Scotland.

By the end of the guide, you will have all the tools to plan an amazing trip to Scotland, and my suggested itineraries will get you on the way in no time!

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When is the best time to visit Scotland

The impossible question – what is the best time of the year to visit Scotland? Fact is, that every season in Scotland has a different appeal, but very often the weather does not differ to much from season to season.

Billy Connolly once said, there are only two seasons in Scotland, June and Winter. The weather is always unpredictable – even in June. No matter when you visit, you should be prepared to encounter all four seasons in one day.

That said there are other factors playing into this. I think the best time to visit Scotland is in May or early autumn, in August or September. In May you already get the long summer days I love so much in Scotland – more time to explore! Also, the dreaded Scottish midges haven’t hatched yet, and you get to experience the Highlands bite-free! August and September are great months for wildlife watching, particularly if you’re interested in seeing puffins (they leave some time in August) or witness how the Scottish highlands turn purple as the heather blooms.

Finally, if you want to see Edinburgh at its best, visit during the main festival season in August or in December for the Christmas markets and Hogmanay festivities around New Year’s Eve!

How much time should you spend in Scotland?

There is an easy answer to this question: as much time as you can. Yes, you could enter a tour de force through Scotland, spend a day or two in Edinburgh and then drive for hours to cover Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and Glencoe over the weekend. But would you enjoy it? Probably not…

I’d say spending at least a week to 10 days to get a glimpse of Scotland is the minimum. In that time you can easily fit a day or two exploring Edinburgh and then contrasting it with the more edgy Glasgow. From there the Highlands are at your doorstep and you can spend a few days travelling around the mountains and islands. On the way back south, plan in a detour through Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms National Park to see a completely different side of Scotland – one that is often neglected in favour of the Highlands but bursts with seaside charm and more castles than you can count.

Any less, and you will have to adjust your itinerary accordingly. I’ve made the mistake myself and tried to cover everything in 7 days – and I failed. Now I travel much slower and dedicate long weekends or full weeks to certain regions around Scotland. There is so much to see, it would be a shame to race through them in pursuit of the far-flung tourist magnets of Scotland.

How to Get around Scotland

Road trips, public transport or organised tours?

The first question you need to ask yourself when you plan a trip to Scotland is how to get around – your mode of transport has a huge impact on your route through Scotland and how much is feasible in any given time frame. Do you feel comfortable enough with left-side traffic and windy mountain roads that you can rent a car? Or would you rather travel eco-friendly and rely on public transport? Guided tours where transport is taken care of for the entire group are another option. You could even hitchhike, which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend, but it is a common practice especially among hikers and I’ve successfully done it myself. And then there is the option to simply use your feet and walk through Scotland.

Of course, whichever mode of transport through Scotland you chose will highly influence your experience in Scotland. Each comes with advantages and disadvantages – here’s a wee list of things to consider:

Renting a car in Scotland

The huge advantage of renting a car in Scotland is that you get maximum flexibility for your itinerary. However, you have to bear the responsibility of driving and navigating yourself. Solo travellers, in particular, might find that driving takes away some of the joys of observing the scenery; or find it tiring.

Distances on the map of Scotland can be deceiving, particularly on winding, narrow Highland roads. Some roads are so pretty, that photo stops will slow you down; other are so tricky to navigate that busses, mini-busses, trucks or even camper vans in front of you take care of that. Don’t underestimate distances in Scotland – it’s better to plan shorter driving days, than cram in as many miles as possible.

Personally, I think renting a car the best way to get around Scotland, because many of my favourite places can only be reached by car. However, remember that other feasible options do exist and a road trip is not the Holy Grail of planning a trip to Scotland.

I usually book my rental cars with Auto Europe, because it compares prices from several providers and I find the full insurance cover to be cheaper than getting it directly from the rental agency. That way I can ensure I definitely get the best deal!

Scotland by Train and Ferry

Public transport in Scotland serves an extensive network and is fairly reliable. With a combination of trains, busses and ferries you can basically travel the entire country. Train rides through the Highlands are a journey worth in themselves, as the tracks are usually far away from the roads and you’ve got the view of the hills to yourself. All of the countries most popular destinations, like Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Oban or Fort William can be easily reached from Glasgow or Edinburgh – you might just need a little more time.

Scotland is a great destination for island hopping. There are two major ferry operators, Northlink Ferries (to Orkney & Shetland) and CalMac (to the Inner & Outer Hebrides). If you have a set itinerary and want to bring a rental car, you should definitely book your ferry tickets in advance, but if you travel as a pedestrian that is usually not necessary. While sailing to the Outer Hebrides or Shetland takes several hours (overnight to Shetland), other islands, such as Arran, Mull or Skye are within much quicker reach. Major ferry ports you might consider as starting point are Ardrossan, Oban, Mallaig or Ullapool. You can reach all of them by public transport, so car-free island-hopping is totally possible.

Travelling Scotland by train is made super easy by ScotRail’s travel passes. There are several options, some are limited to certain regions, others enable you to travel across the railway, bus and ferry network with the same ticket.

Guided Tours of Scotland

Joining a guided tour of Scotland is the so-called “carefree” option. Everything is taken care of – transport, routes and in some cases even accommodation or meals. There are many Scottish tour operators to chose from, and they can vary in group sizes, prices, itineraries and target demographics. I’d recommend to shop around and read reviews before you decide on a tour around Scotland.

I’ve done quite a few guided tours, with companies such as Rabbie’s, Timberbush Tours or Highland Explorer Tours – you can check out my reviews here. Generally, I would recommend doing multiple day tours rather than several individual day tours – mainly because it saves a lot of driving time and in my experience, the itinerary will be more relaxed.

Pros | Worry-free travel experience; Experienced tour guide on board

Cons | You’re “stuck” with the prescribed itinerary; Potentially too little time at each destination

Decide what to Do & See in Scotland

It really is not hard to find things to do and see in Scotland – it really is more about making a feasible list of priorities.

Do you want to delve into the country’s rich history and see castles and museums – or rather immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape? Are you a thrill seeker in search for kayaking, mountaineering or skiing adventures – or do you prefer it more mellow with boat rides, leisurely walks and culinary delights?

I like to plan a good mix of things and activities when I visit a new country. For Scotland I suggest you see at least one castle, do at least one easy or intermediate hike, spend a day on the road/on the train/on the bus to see the landscape, take one ferry, spend one day in the city, go to the pub and see some live music, and visit a whisky (or gin) distillery.

Hiking Tips for Scotland

Although the mountains in the Highlands are not as tall as in the Alps or other popular mountain ranges, you need to be very careful when hiking in these hills. The weather is unpredictable and fog can lock you in within minutes. Paths in the Highlands are rarely signposted and even if they are marked on the map, they could be barely visible in real life. Often sheep or deer trails look a lot like trails, but then of course they end nowhere – or worse, lead off a cliff…

If you plan to go hiking in Scotland, here are a few essential hiking tips for the Highlands:

– Bring a map and a compass, and know how to use them. If you’re not an experienced navigator, stick to very popular routes that are well signposted.

– Bring plenty of water for every hiker in your party – water might never be far in the Scottish Highlands, but sometimes accessing it is trickier than you’d think.

-Wear warm, wind- and waterproof clothes & sturdy shoes (best hiking boots that support your ankles). I talk about some of my essential hiking equipment and items I pack for every Scotland trip in this post.

– Don’t forget your headtorch, just in case you lose your way and it falls dark.

My number 1 online resource for trail information and descriptions is Walk Highlands which also has a great page on hiking safety!

Where to stay in Scotland

In Scotland there are many accommodation options you can chose from, ranging from top notch luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs to more basic guest houses, inns or hostels. If you are on a really tight budget, consider camping (during the summer months) or renting a campervan to have your home with you at all times. Personally, I love renting out entire cottages to feel like I have a real home away from home.

Hotels & B&Bs in the Highlands | Range from basic to luxury. Highland and island accommodation should be booked in advance, as the houses often have fewer rooms. Usually they are well located near public transport and in scenic spots. I find Booking.com to be a great resource to find independent B&Bs, hotels or guest houses.

Hostels | The Scottish Youth Hostel Association runs many hostels throughout the country, but I also love staying at one of the Scottish Independent Hostels.

AirBnB | As I mentioned above, I love renting out entire cottages, and AirBnB is a great resource to find some incredibly unique accommodation in the Scottish countryside!

Should I book ahead?

This might just be the most asked question about accommodation (and ferries) in Scotland – should you book your accommodation ahead of time? The simple answer is YES!

Accommodation in Scotland is fairly easy to come by, but not everywhere has endless capacity. If you visit popular and potentially sparsely populated places, like the Isle of Skye, North Coast 500, Orkney, the Hebrides or the Isle of Mull, you have to book accommodation in advance – unless you plan to wild camp. Even campsites can fill up quickly during the summer months!

Note, that in places such as the Isle of Skye, you might not even be let onto the island unless you have accommodation booked in advance!

I’d give similar advice for ferries. I understand that it’s nice to keep your itinerary flexible, especially if you travel with a camper an/or a tent, but except for Skye, ferries are the only way to get on an off the islands. Capacity is limited and popular sailing times (usually the ones that allow you to maximise your days in the destination) can book up quickly in advance. Book your ferry tickets as early as possible, or prepared to be flexible in case your preferred time is not available anymore. Foot passengers usually don’t have to worry, but can buy the ticket on arrival half an hour before the sailing time.

This guide should have given you a thorough idea of how to plan a trip to Scotland. The first decisions are often the hardest, but once you know when and how long you will visit Scotland, how you want to get around Scotland and what sort of activities you are interested in, it is time to plan your actual itinerary.

Need more advice?

Get in touch at kathi@watchmesee.com – I offer travel planning services that range from honest feedback on your planned itinerary to creating customised routes for you and your travel party!

56 comments on “How to Plan a Trip to Scotland: Everything you Need to Know to Visit Scotland”

I really appreciate your tip to choose a guided tour that has all of the proper transportation that you will need. That way, you can keep your worries at home when you go on your guided tour. My wife and I have been thinking of taking an anniversary trip to a new country, and I know that my wife would love to have no stress on our trip!

Totally agree – a guided tour can take away so much stress and pressure. Especially in the UK – I feel everybody’s anxiety about driving on the left side of the road 😀 Maybe Scotland will be your next trip?

Thanks! I plan on reading all of your posts on Scotland. I am heading there this June (2019) with my mother and my 3 children (boys ages at time of trip 13, 12, & 7). We will be in Scotland for one whole month (all of June), and plan on renting a car. Do you have any advice for travel with kids, or major points we should during a month long trip.

Hi Kathi,
What a great post (and all the others linked in). I am planning to visit Scotland in 2019 as a solo female traveller. I’m looking to hire a vehicle for maximum flexibility as I’m looking to base myself out of three or four different bases during the 2 weeks. I’m worried that on my own, I won’t get to experience ‘authentic’ Scotland, and some of the activities/experiences that you may get with a tour group. I really want to get an appreciation for the towns/areas that I visit, and the people that live there – do you have any recommendations of how I can achieve this? I don’t want to travel all that way and end up just wandering around by myself the entire time! Thanks for your help.

Thanks for your question!! It really depends on where you’re going… my top advice would be, don’t be shy – just start talking to people in pubs or in shops etc. I just spent 2 weeks alone in the Hebrides, and had lots of nice experiences just because I started chatting. Scottish people are super friendly and always up for a chat! This might be a bit harder in Edinburgh, since there are many more tourists there, but everywhere else you’ll meet loads of people just like that! In smaller communities there might be community activities you could join – especially now in the summer. I’d check local council websites and ask at the places you’re staying at. If you find a ceilidh, go for it!!

I like that you said that guided tours give you a “care-free” travel experience. I usually start to stress out whenever I plan something and this would really help me out. I think that this would be a great option for our extended family vacation this summer.

Hi Deb, you can check ferry timetables here: https://www.calmac.co.uk/calmac-summer-timetables – switch to winter time tables is on Oct 22. There is also NorthLink Ferries, but they only service Orkney and Shetland, while Calmac goes to all the other islands. The colours in Fall are indeed beautiful, but if you’re looking for foliage, you obvs. need to go to areas with lots of woodlands. Perth or the Trossachs are good for that! The Highlands have less woodlands, but the bracken on the hills turns all orange and is also very pretty! Have a lovely trip!

Hey, I chanced upon this website while planning my Scotland trip and found it very informative.
I am planning a 5 day trip to Scotland in the first week of July with my husband and 20 month old. We are majorly interested in exploring the natural beauty, some places of historical significance(castles etc) and maybe a tour to a distillery. We plan to come from London by flight and would then rent a car, It would be great if you could suggest a five day itinerary keeping in mind that hiking would not be possible with the toddler.

Hello Surabhi, thanks for your comment and question! Have you seen my 7-day itinerary (https://www.watchmesee.com/blog/classic-scotland-itinerary/)? You could use this as a basis and cut things out to make it shorter – I would suggest to probably not go further north than Fort William if you only have 5 days and focus on shorter drives with your toddler instead. If you’d like more help with your itinerary, please consider booking travel consultation with me – I’d be happy to make you a detailed suggestion for a 5-day itinerary with a toddler and including the things you mentioned (best for views, castles, whisky distillery, no hiking): https://www.watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ I look forward to hear from you! Cheers, Kathi

Love this site and all the advice! I’m planning a week trip to scotland with my mom and sister from Sweden. I love the best of scotland one week itinerary but want to spend potentially an extra day exploring glencoe, loch lomond and fort william. Only problem is we won’t be driving so all travel has to be by public transport, ferries etc. Is it possible to do the one week best of scotland itinerary without a car? if we were to cut out loch ness and inverness and make our way to edinburgh and then finally glascow (as thatswe’re we are flying to and from) would we be able to make it in 8 days, having spent that extra time in glencoe and loch lomond?

Hi Isra,
Thanks for your question! The public transport system in Scotland is great and covers all of the areas that I mention in my 7-day itinerary, however not all of the stops I write about will be possible – either because the bus-/train-route doesn’t pass there or there is no option/time to get off. Honestly, instead of cutting Loch Ness and Inverness, I would cut Skye, because going from Skye to Edinburgh by public transport you have to go past Loch Ness and Inverness either way. Instead of spending 8-9 hours on transport between Portree and Edinburgh without stops (~ Day 6), you could make your journey more leisurely by cutting Skye and exploring along the route you have to go anyways.

Hi Kathi,
So happy to stumble upon found you – my daughter and I are planning a trip to Scotland June 2018 – both of us single (19 and 52) and happy to hear your comments being on the safe side to travel. Just trying to narrow down all we want to do in 17 days!

Hi Lisa, happy you found me! 17 days is a great amount of time to see a lot of different sides of Scotland. You could take my one week itinerary as a starting point http://www.watchmesee.com/blog/classic-scotland-itinerary/, and add a few days here and there, maybe some time in the Cairngorms or Fife, some more time on the islands, more time in Glasgow & Edinburgh – opportunities are endless! Let me know if you need any help planning – I’m offering travel planning services for Scotland! (Just not on the website yet…)

Kathi thank you so much for your blog I’m rtravelling on my own in Scotland this sept and the info here is priceless you don’t give day tours by any chance?
I have made copious notes and I’ve a tons of planning to do. You blog link booked marked thank you again !
Carolyne

Hi Carolyne, I’ve actually just created a profile on Showaround to give offering tours a shot (https://www.showaround.com/locals/9723790). It should let you book me as a tour guide for Glasgow – but I could also show you around Edinburgh! I don’t have a car, so cities are my stomping ground at the moment 😉 I also help people plan their itineraries for a small fee – I don’t have this up on the website yet, as I’ve been test-running it for a few months so far. Drop me an email if you’re interested!

Heya, I see you’ve already found me on Instagram 😉 I also signed up with Showaround, so you could book me for a day tour of Glasgow or in the surrounding area! This is my profile: https://www.showaround.com/locals/9723790 You’d have to sign up, add your travel dates and I can send you an offer if I’m available! Cheers, Kathi

Kathi, so glad I found your page. The wealth of information is helpful. I’m attempting to plan our first 10 day trip to Scotland in October 2018 and I look forward to find out more info from you. I’m in my 40’s and likely the lovely lady above put it fluffy but adventurous with by best friend who’s in the same boat. I assertain that you think public transit and day trips are a more cost affective way to see the area without the tour congestion?

I’m glad you find my content useful 🙂 In October there are definitely fewer tourists, nothing compared to the summer months. Public transport is not necessarily cheaper than renting a car, but a great way to travel without having to figure out driving on the left. Busses are certainly cheaper and the network is very useful. Many train lines also offer great views. So there are many advantages of taking public transport!!

Kathi, your post, which I read on Pintrest, is very helpful! I am going to Scotland for 10 days in May, 2017 to visit my granddaughter who is a college student in Edinburgh.
One big concern: I am a lady in my 70’s and am rather “fluffy” in stature but a little adventurous! I am worried about accessibility for older people with some physical limitations. A 5 day bus trip to Skye with Rabbe is planned and the other days will be in Edinburgh and Glasgow on our own. Do you think I will need trekking poles? Waterproof shoes?? I plan to bring along my sense of humor and optimism!

Hi Sharon, thanks for commenting and your question! With Rabbie’s you’re in good hands – their tour guides are really nice and considerate! I just had a quick look at that particular tour to see what stops are included. I would most definitely bring waterproof shoes no matter what you do in Scotland, but they don’t necessarily have to be hiking boots. Trekking shoes should be enough. May is the driest month, but if it only rains once, you’ll be happy you brought them. Make sure you have a good waterproof jacket though that also keeps the wind out! Trekking poles can be very helpful, it really depends on what activities you chose to do on Skye. For the hike in the Quiraing and the visit at the Neist Point lighthouse, I’d take them, just to be sure. The garden of Dunvegan Castle or the area of Kilt Rock are really just leisurely strolls on gravel paths. I think Scotland is a great place for seniors to visit – the natural beauty is overwhelming, but it’s not hidden away so only highly adventurous outdoors folk can see it! A lot of the most beautiful viewpoints are accessible by car! You’ll see 🙂

Hi Yasmin, oh I’m so glad you found my blog – I hope it gives you loads of inspiration and ideas for your trip! 12 days is a great amount of time as well for a first trip here – do you already know where you want to go? x

Hi Katie – I just came back from Scotland and I fell in love with it. I did 14 days and it was not nearly enough to see and do all I wanted. I did post my quite aggressive itinerary on my blog if you wish to see what my family and I did. Scotland is so incredibly beautiful and you are so right it seems like a small country but the winding roads that are sometimes single track make for a longer than expected road trip. But the visit is definitely worth it and I think everyone should experience Scotland.

Thanks for your comment – I’m so glad you had a great trip and it sounds like you will need to return as well! I love your blogposts and will share them on my networks as well! Need to find the PUFFINS!!! 😀

Hi Kathi, loved reading your blog and subscribed to get more. My husband & I are going for a week in September for our 45th anniversary. Can’t wait to see the beautiful country and meet the people. We’re actually spending our 1st week in Ireland and the 2nd week in Scotland. Looking forward to reading more of your blog!

Thanks for your comment! That sounds like a fantastic trip! I’ve never been to Ireland sadly, but I’ll definitely write loads about the best places to go in Scotland by then 😀 Are you flying between Ireland and Scotland or taking the ferry?

I recently returned from an incredible 10 day trip to Scotland! Be sure and take an umbrella and rain boots, to be covered for the occasional drizzle, which for the most part will not impede your plans. Plan a day or two in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, a day at Luss and on Loch Lomond, few days in the highlands; both West and North, and time in Skye. Hit at least one “local” (non-franchised) pub, where the locals gather, in order to get the real flavour of song, conversation, and entertainment. Tour one castle still in authentic ruins, one cathedral, one museum, on distillery, one football (soccer) game, and then most importantly, interact with the Scots . . . It’s the only way to really step into the wonders of the country. Ask for directions, chat, get lost, and do it all over again if you have to, just so you can engage and beg upon their incredible warmth and hospitality. “They,” and my incredible Rabbies tour guide, John Mc Dermott, MADE me fall in love with Scotland! Believe it or not, confused and a bit lost as I attempted to leave Glasgow on the train back to our hotel in Clydebank, one evening, the kindest, most fun couple literally “picked me up” while on the train. They got off at my same stop, and ended up taking me to their house, feeding me, treating me to lovely drinks and desserts, and then drove me back to my hotel where we all socialised into the wee hours of the night. It was amazing, and I’m quite sure such an event would never happen in the states! They’ve become friends for life, and will be traveling to the states next year, where we will meet up again. I’ve become fb friends with several native Scot, including John, who continues to treat me to travels by his incredible photography on the Internet. Scotland is magical when you gather the perfect ingredients: the people, the music, the food, the legends, the natural scenery, and being open to every oppotunity that comes your way, planned or not. I held back the tears when I left . . . it was just that wonderful, and I can’t wait to go back!

Thank you so much for your comment Mary! I’m so happy to hear you had such a fantastic time in Scotland and with Rabbies – and indeed the people make the entire country so special! I think John might have been my tour guide too, but I’m not 100% sure as I only did a day trip and it’s been a few months since then.

I’m usually not one for the umbrella but prefer a rain coat so I still have my hands free and because of the wind – but I’ll make sure to talk about Scottish weather on the blog at some point soon. It’s something to get used to…

I’ve been all over Europe and somehow haven’t made it to Scotland yet, after reading your post and looking at your pictures it is definitely on my list. Thanks for sharing on the Girls V. Globe linkup! It would be interesting to see what it’s like “walking” your way through Scotland.

Hi Katie, thanks for your comment! I will be writing about the walking bit later on. There are several long-distance walks criss-crossing the country, and I’m planning to walk the most popular one this summer. It’s called the West Highland Way 🙂 Scotland is definitely worth a trip!

About Watch Me See

“Hi, I’m Kathi! I’m a traveller, writer and photographer, and moved to Scotland in 2013. I fell madly in love with my new home and starts Watch Me See to convince all people to visit Scotland at least once! On Watch Me See I share my top tips and travel stories from around Scotland, but I also offer private tours in Glasgow and trip planning services to ensure that you have a great time in Scotland! I hope you join me on my adventures!”

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